Performing Under Pressure

Mudassir is a consultant and trainer in Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan.

  Communications Management   Leadership   Stakeholder Management  

“When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” We’re all familiar with this saying, and many people believe that they are better off under pressure. But in the 18-plus years of my career, I never felt that.

Let’s get this straight: No one performs their best under pressure. There are situations that bring the best out in you, but that’s completely dependent on your surroundings and the methodology you follow. I may not able to comment on your surroundings, but I hope the following tips will work for you in most cases…

1. Think of high-pressure moments as a challenge instead of a threat. Many employees see pressure situations as threatening. which makes them under-perform at work. Considering pressure as a threat damages your self-confidence and provokes fear of failure.

It’s a great idea to shift your thoughts. Instead of seeing it as a risky situation, see it a challenge. When you see pressure as your challenge, you are enthused to give the attention and energy required to make your best effort possible. You can practice it in your daily routine by building “challenge thinking.” Do not only consider it as a project, but also see it as an opportunity to make it your best project ever.

2. Slow down. In high-pressure situations, it’s typical to speed up your thought process. Don’t do that. Thinking …

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